Coping with Caregiving

Description

COPING WITH CAREGIVING:
A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Caregiver For Your Loved Ones Without Suffering from Caregiver Burnout

Some are born caregivers, while others suddenly have caregiving thrust upon them. One slip from a ladder or moment of distraction in the car, or a trip to the doctor for what seemed to be a routine checkup, can change the life of your loved one and you FOREVER.

Every day, an accident, illness, the birth of a child, or the aging of a loved one presents immediate caregiving challenges to spouses, children, and other family members who are suddenly forced into the role of caregiver in the midst of a crisis. In many cases, your need to serve as a caregiver will just be temporary, until your loved one recovers. In other cases, however, you might need to serve as a long-term caregiver.

Short-term or long-term, all caregivers run the risk of burnout if they do not care for themselves properly first in order to be able to care for others. Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our society, looking after loved ones around the clock, often with little help, few financial resources, and only rare recognition of their efforts compared to people who work outside of the home. In many cases, people are forced to try to be caregivers and balance their need to work outside the home all at the same time. No matter what your personal circumstances, caregiving can soon start to take its toll if you do not know what caregiver burnout is, the warning signs, and how to avoid caregiver burnout.

Millions of people in the United States are serving in the role of primary caregiver for a loved one with physical, medical, age-related or emotional challenges. Some are even members of the ‘sandwich generation,’ caring for young children at home, even as they deal with health issues related to their own aging, PLUS have to care for an elderly relative.

In this guide, the authors outline some of the best strategies for beginners who suddenly find themselves thrust into the role of caregiver. Through learning these strategies, you can try to avoid the caregiver burnout that occurs whenever a caregiver is not able to maintain a good caring, work and life balance.

If you are suddenly placed in the role of caregiver, it can be a confusing, even frightening time. Use this guide as part of your support system as you learn:
* The first steps to take if your loved one is diagnosed with an illness or has been in an accident
* How to develop an effective care plan for your loved one
* How to assemble and coordinate a care team for your loved one
* How to deal with insurance companies
* How to handle social security and disability claims effectively.

Caregiving has a serious impact on the entire family that should never be underestimated. In this guide, you will also discover:
* How to plan for the future, no matter what the diagnosis or prognosis
* How to deal with end-of-life issues in a practical, as well as emotional way
* The best ways to deal with the more stressful aspects of caregiving
* The best places to get help, advice and support as a caregiver
* A self-care plan to help keep you healthy so you can avoid caregiver burnout.
and more.
Caregiving challenges us on many mental, physical, emotional and spiritual levels. In this guide, learn:
* How to identify with the negative emotions that arise when you are caregiving
*Strategies for dealing with these negative emotions
* Dealing with spiritual considerations that arise in the course of caregiving
* Coping with spiritual issues in a sensitive way
* How to spot stress and stop it from leading to caregiver burnout
* Effective relaxation techniques
* Constructive ways to express rather than suppress emotions to avoid caregiver burnout
and much more.

Caregiving can be one of the most difficult jobs you will ever face. Fortunately, help is at hand. Written by caregivers for caregivers, learn the most effective strategies for taking care of yourself first so matter what short-term or long-term caregiving situation you may be dealing with, you can stay healthy. Start putting your action plan in place today, for a healthier tomorrow for you and everyone you need to care for.

AUDIENCE
+New caregivers
+Recent caregivers who feel stretched to the limit
+Friends or family of a caregiver who are concerned that the caregiver is starting to burn out
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Word Count=32,208
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: DEALING WITH THE CRISIS
CHAPTER 2: DEVELOPING A CARE PLAN
CHAPTER 3: DEALING WITH A LOVED ONE INDIVIDUALLY
CHAPTER 4: TAKING CARE OF THE CAREGIVER
CHAPTER 5: COPING WITH YOUR EMOTIONS
CHAPTER 6: COPING WITH SPIRITUAL CONSIDERATIONS
CHAPTER 7: COPING WITH DOCTORS, HOSPITAL STAFF AND OTHER HEALTHCARE WORKERS
CHAPTER 8: COPING WITH END OF LIFE DECISIONS
CONCLUSION
FURTHER READING
ACTION STEPS CHECKLIST
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone are the authors of over 200 hundred health and self-help guides and courses. Annabelle works as a life coach and Carolyn has worked in consumer health publishing and continuing medical education for twenty years.